Said [pharaoh] unto the great ones around him: "Verily, this is indeed a sorcerer of great knowledge 34 Who desires to turn you out of your land with his magic; what is it then that you advise? 35 They replied: 'Put him and his brother off for a while, and send heralds to your cities 36 “To bring to you every expert great magician.” 37 So the magicians were gathered together at the appointed time on the fixed day, 38 And it was said to the people, “Have you (also) gathered?” 39 Haply we shall follow the sorcerers if it should be they are the victors.' 40 When the magicians arrived, they said to the Pharaoh: "Is there a reward for us if we are victorious?" -- 41 He said, “Yes, and you will then become close to me.” 42 Moses said to them: "Throw down whatever you wish to throw." 43 So they cast down their cords and their rods and said: By Firon's power, we shall most surely be victorious. 44 Thereafter, Moses threw down his rod and behold, it went about swallowing up all the false devices they had contrived. 45 Then the magicians fell prostrating in adoration, 46 They said, "We have believed in the Lord of the worlds, 47 The Lord of Moses and Aaron." 48 Said [Pharaoh]: "Have you come to believe in him ere I have given you permission? Verily, he must be your master who has taught you magic! But in time you shall come to know [my revenge]: most certainly shall I cut off your hands and your feet in great numbers, because of [your] perverseness, and shall most certainly crucify you in great numbers, all together!" 49 They said, “No harm (in it), we will return to our Lord.” 50 Behold, we [but] ardently desire that our Sustainer forgive us our faults in return for our having been foremost among the believers!" 51